Tory-run Staffordshire County Council is set to axe all crossing patrols in the two towns and across the county next year to save money - in a move protesters say will endanger their children as they walk to school.

But now Labour politicians are calling for the patrols to be kept in place through some of the £5.2 million coming in from a business rates retention pilot scheme.

Under the scheme, councils will get to keep 75 per cent of business rates collected in the county, up from the current 50 per cent.

Labour group leader Sue Woodward said: "This additional funding brings some respite and Labour is now calling on the Tories at the county council to spread a little Christmas cheer and reverse this unpopular and potentially dangerous decision.

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"Labour is working on alternative ways to stop a whole range of the £35m cuts being proposed.

"This extra £5m of income should now be committed to saving our lollipops and I hope we get an early commitment on this."

Nearly 7,000 people have signed a petition calling on the county council to maintain its funding for the crossing patrols. Campaigners say the cuts will hit road safety and put children’s lives at risk.

Another petition in Uttoxeter has attracted 3,000 signatures in less than a week.

Jackie Bradwell has worked as a lollipop lady in Burton for nine years and fears for her job (Image: Jackie Bradwell)

Council leaders have suggested the patrols could continue with funding from schools or parish councils, but there are fears that, in reality, that money will not be available.

She said: "The business rates pilot is welcome and will help to some extent, but we are faced with an overall shortfall of £35m in funding next year largely due to our record spending on care for the elderly and vulnerable children.

"We need to carefully think through how we use this one-off funding.

Protestors in Uttoxeter picketing at the crossing in Holly Road against proposed cuts to lollipop ladies. (Image: Burton Mail)

"As we have already reduced our own running costs by £240 million over the past nine years we have had no choice but to look at savings across some non-statutory areas, including school crossing patrols.

"We all know they do a wonderful job, that isn't in dispute, but we do need to look at how they can continue to be funded if we can no longer do so.

"Although this is still a proposal, one option would be for us to offer the management, training and uniform of patrols with communities providing the funding.

"This has already worked well in parts of the county and is something we think could be replicated in other areas."

A public consultation on the council's budget proposals, including the crossing patrol cuts, will continue until December 31.